What a difference two players can make.

40-4, that’ll surely help our F/A points this season after that shocker against the Roosters. The Bulldogs played well for the first time this season, really. And before you say “THE TIGERS HAVE SO MANY PLAYERS INJURED”, watch the game. The Bulldogs got back their short passing from the forwards with James Graham and Sam Kasiano returning (somehow I knew Kasiano and Graham would return at the same time). Even Tony Williams did something! Scoring his first try for the Bulldogs, soft try I’ll admit but he was positioned perfectly, and it looks like Des Hasler’s been teaching him the short passing, he showed a few good displays of it in the game.  But even with our full forward pack back, he played 70 minutes which I don’t think is a good idea.

I’d like to see him explode onto the field in the 20 minute mark and go off at 60. As a comparison, Josh Jackson played 63 minutes and got 33 tackles, as opposed to Williams’ 19. Jackson got around 8 more metres too. Hodkinson played well, again, I’m thinking he could definitely replace Keating given the depth of his game and his goal kicking accuracy (Only missed one) he could do a lot more than Keating. Reynolds was on fire, returning to form (hopefully), and Barba yet again had a quiet game.

Reynolds beautiful short ball to Tony Williams started the scoring off for the Bulldogs, and they just kept on coming. A lucky bounce from a Hodkinson kick sent Michael Ennis over the line around the 20 minute mark. Literally the next set a cut out ball opened up the Tigers line out wide and sent Perett over, I would’ve been frustrated if I was a Tigers’ supporter. 30 seconds to half time a two on one on Perett’s wing send Lafai over.

Second half, and Bulldogs open the scoring with Reynolds spinning away from two, which was admittedly a soft try from a frustrated Tiger’s side. A HUGE fend by Tony Williams set the defence scrambling and sent Perett over for his second. 12 minutes to go and Farah’s trademark dummy half run sent him straight through, who passed to Tedesco for an easy try. The game’s scoring ended with Morris going over for a well-executed try.

[Reynolds going over to score after spinning away from two players. Source: http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/05/04/1226635/014240-bulldogs-v-tigers.jpg]

Our first back-to-back win since 2013 feels pretty darn good. The forward pack was significantly motr sizeable with both our international forwards returning. I’m not sure why he got Halatau in over Tim Browne, or even Taupau could play in the second row, but I guess Hasler has his reasons. All in all a good game for the doggies supporters J Hopefully we can make it 3 in a row next week!

-          Daniel Arthur